Larry A. Simmons

Larry A. Simmons, age 61 of Park River, ND passed away on Monday, February 14, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN. Larry A Simmons was born December 17, 1949 in Thief River Falls, MN the son of the late Claude and Alice (Hanson) Simmons. He graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School in Park River. Following his education he served two tours in Vietnam with the 62nd Transportation Company, US Army. Following his discharge in 1970 he returned home and attended the Hanson's Mechanical Trade School in Fargo, ND and became a diesel mechanic. He was united in marriage to Frances Dub on November 18, 1972 at Bechyne. He worked for Kap's Incorporated in Park River until 1985 when he started Larry's Tractor Service with his father Claude. He later worked for Anderson's Implement in Edinburg and Cavalier, ND until his health forced him to retire. In May of 2003 he received the gift of life by receiving a double lung transplant. Larry was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Paul Farup American Legion Post #147 of Park River, ND. Larry is survived by his wife Fran of Park River, ND; his sons: Ryan (Sarah) Simmons, Aberdeen, SD; Brandon (Amy) Simmons, Owatonna, MN; five grandchildren: Isaiah, Josiah, Jack, Anna and Molly; his siblings: Sharon (Louis) Schufletowski, Park River, ND; Susan (Doug) Foerster, Fordville, ND; Ronald (Becky) Simmons, Jamestown, ND; his sister-in-law Elaine Uhlir, Fordville, ND; and brother-in-law Albert Hodny, Lankin, ND and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Park River, ND. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery, Park River, ND. Military rites will be provided by the Paul Farup American Legion Post.